‘Playing Tic Tac Toe on his butt:’ Family says 5-year-old was attacked with marker at daycare

RIVERDALE, Ga. — Channel 2 Action News has learned a local police department and a state agency are investigating a local learning center.

A Clayton County couple alleges their now-5-year-old son was assaulted by another student while at daycare. The parents claim it happened at the Prime Care Learning Center in Riverdale.

“It’s just disheartening to know that this was happening to your son,” said the child’s parents.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Channel 2 Action News is not identifying the mother and father to protect their child’s identity. They said what allegedly happened to their son is disturbing.

The mother claims she noticed writings on her son’s shirt and body on April 10 when she picked up her son.

“He pulled down his underclothes, and I saw there was writing all over both parts of his buttocks. It was really extensive writing,” she described.

The parents sent Channel 2 Action News photos of their son’s buttocks. They claim their son said another child did this.

“It was as if, they were playing Tic Tac Toe on his butt. Devastating, to know that a child his age, could think to do something like that,” the mother said.

TRENDING STORIES:

• 4 dead, including McDonald’s manager, in south Georgia murder-suicide
• Young Thug’s brother arrested on gun charge after taking plea deal in YSL case
• Cobb County teen shot at park as large group of students skipped school, officials say

Channel 2 Action News obtained a report from Riverdale police. It outlined when the officer spoke with the parents. The officer stated the parents “showed me photos they took of their son’s buttocks and it clearly showed there were marker markings on him.”

Channel 2′s Larry Spruill spoke with an employee at the daycare.

“I’m with Channel 2 Action News. I am recording, just so you know,” Spruill said.

“Okay,” the employee replied.

“Can I ask you some questions about this?” Spruill asked.

“I don’t have any answers,” the employee said.

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning released a statement that read:

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is investigating allegations of a lack of supervision by Prime Care Learning Center located at 6550 Church Street in Riverdale. This is an open investigation. The complaint was received on April 14, 2023. It was reported that on April 10, 2023, a five-year-old child was written on with a marker on their shirt, back, legs, and buttocks. Staff was not aware until the incident was reported by the parent the next day. Parents impacted by this situation can connect with child care resources at www.qualityrated.org or by calling the toll-free number 1-877-ALL GA KIDS. Parents will be assisted in locating quality child care options. DECAL provides this free service to parents. At DECAL, our top priority is the health and safety of our state’s young learners.

The Georgia DECAL also states the daycare center is in good standing with the state, but they are investigating this case.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:

4 dead, including McDonald’s manager, in south Georgia murder suicide It’s unclear how many people have been killed or how they were killed.

©2022 Cox Media Group